Finding your Zen

   Let's face it, we live in a crazy hectic digital world where escaping reality or finding peace sometimes seems impossible. We are constantly stimulated, from our TV's, computers, cell phones, or others. I joke with my patients that if you were to count the amount of times you check your Facebook per day you would probably be shocked. But the point is it is constant stimulation. Our mind never gets a break, no wonder depression, anxiety, and panic disorders are all on the rise. We work so hard and hope for what, maybe a week of vacation a year to unwind and relax? This is also why sympathetic dominance and adrenal fatigue are becoming common place in our society. One practice that I use in my personal life and recommend to my patients is meditation. So how do we find our Zen?
   I started exploring Zen meditation about 5 years ago, when stress started piling up in my own life. And there are some big misconceptions. Number one, meditation is not a religion, or affiliated with any religion. I hear this sometimes in my office when I ask a stressed out patient if they have tried meditation. "No, I'm a Christian." Christians can meditate too! And should! And number two, just an overall misconception of what Zen is.
   "Zen is a way of liberation from suffering-both the suffering we experience ourselves and the suffering we cause others. It is a practical and experiential tradition, centered in a form of meditation that can be practiced by people of any or no religion. Zen practice is about opening compassionate awareness to all of reality and realizing that the joy and freedom that we long for are available right here and now, in the midst of the messiness and the pain and confusion of our lives. " -Kim Boykin
   So how do we find our Zen, what I have found is that I find it in silence. Silence is rarely found nowadays. Like I mentioned earlier with constant stimulation. Most people do not give themselves even 10 minutes a day to be alone is silence. After hearing a speaker at a seminar around a year ago, I implemented a small tip from her in my routine that was life changing. I started turning my radio off to and from work. I have about a 30 minute drive from where I live to my office. So, I get now a solid hour where I can reflect and silence my mind. If you were to ask most people if they get that for an hour a day, they would say no way. This is an easy way to get it in to your routine without making huge changes to your schedule.
   Other ways to help you find your zen....
1) Take walks
2) meditate or pray
3) Get your health in order
4) Exercise or try yoga
5) Read for pleasure
6) Take more vacations, even if they are staycations
7) Eat healthier 
8) Wake up earlier, so you are not in a rush (starting you day in a stressful rush can lead to antire stressed out day.
9) Find joy in the small things, remember you will never be in this moment again. I try to capture the moment by taking mental photographs. It helps me focus on detail and stay in the moment.
10) And lastly, remember in the big scheme of things does any of this really matter?
   For a more detailed analysis regarding your stress or health contact our office Adjust in Dallas for a free consultation. 
   

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